Wire-stretching device.



E. C. SCHNEIDER.

WIRE STRETCHING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 1 ms.

1,289,008., 7 Patented Dec. 24, 1918.

WITNESSES ATTORNEY 1 leverage may BIT @FIQ.

ERNEST G. SCHNEIDER, 0F ARLINGTON, OREGON.

WIRE-STRETCHING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 24, 1918.

Application filed. December 11, 1915. Serial No. 66,330.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ERNEST C. SCHNEIDER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Arlington, in the county of Gilliam and State of Oregon, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Wire-Stretching Devices, of which the following is a specification.

An object of my invention is to provide a new and improved'wire stretching device that includes novel means for properly tensioning the wire and locking the same in such tensioned position so as to enable the operator to secure the ends of the Wires together or fix either of the strands to the respective post; and it further comprehends the provision of the tensioning means with barbed, serrated tooth edges in order that they may be effectually engaged with the post during operation whereby a greater be obtained and the wire stretched in a more convenient manner.

My invention has for another object, the provision of an improved wire stretching device that includes a pair of pivoted hand levers whereby the operator may properly tension the wire, and it further includes a novel form of latch for locking the levers against movement, once the wire has been stretched to the desired degree.

A still further object of my invention is to provide improved means to be associated with the hand lever for properly gripping the wire at all times, especially during the tensioning operation, in order to preclude possibility of the slipping of the wire during manipulation of the device.

A still further object is to provide a device of the type in question that is extremely simple in construction, strong and durable, and highly practical from both the standpoint of the manufacturer and the standpoint of the user; and which it is believed may be manufactured at a minimum cost.

Various other objects and advantages will become apparent during the continuance of the following description.

These objects are accomplished by such means as are shown in their preferred form in the accompanying drawings, described in the following specification and then more specifically pointed out in the appended claim.

In the accompanying drawings wherein like characters designate like parts throughout the several views;

Figure 1 is a view in top plan showing my invention as in its preferred embodiment and as in use in actual practice.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary View of the device showing the hand levers in a locked position, as when the wire strands have been tensioned to the desired degree.

Fig. 3 is a detailed view showing the improved means for gripping the wire for retaining the same in a secure position in connection with the hand levers.

Fig. 4c is another detail view of the wire gripping means showing the method of mountlng the same.

Fig. 5 is a view in perspective of an improved catch that is employed to lock the hand levers in their relative positions.

In the drawings, the numerals 10 and 11 designate a pair of hand levers, which are preferably constructed of a stout metal, being formed into hand gripping portions at one end, as at 12 and @pivotally connected at their other end as at 13. The hand levers 1.0 and 11 are also provided at one end with suitably curved extensions let and 15 respectively, which in the present embodiment are shown cast integrrl therewith, although it is not essential, which are in turn provided at their free ends with apertures 16. Suitable flexible elements, shown in the present embodiment in the nature of chains 17 connect the apertures or eyelets 16 of the eX- tensions 14: and 15 with elongated plates or strips 18.

In order to provide for efficiently supporting the wire gripping means and permitting free operation thereof, when desired, the plates 18 are provided at one end with upturned ear bearings 19 and 20 respectively. Pintles 21 are seated respectively in the bearings of each of the plates 18 and the pivotally supported clamping members 22, the latter being provided on their wire engaging faces with suitable teeth or serrations and with handles 24 by which they may be readily operated. As clearly shown in Fig. 3, the wire is passed beneath the respective clamping member or dog 22 and the opposing face of the respective plate so that by properly manipulating the dog the wire may be securely gripped.

I also provide improved means for retaining the hand levers against movement after they have been manipulated to properly tension the wire. To this end I provide one of the extensions 14 and 15 with a link 25 which may be pivotally connected thereto as at 26, this link in turn hingedly supporting a clasp lock 27, which is shown in Fig. 2 engages with the other extension afterthe hand levers have been removed to the proper position.

In the operation of my device, the levers 10 and 11 are first moved into a position similar to that shown in Fig. 1, after which the respective strands of wire, which are designated in the drawings by the letters A and A, may be connected with the plates 18 through the medium of the cams 22. Thus it will be seen that by drawing the free ends of the levers toward each other, the free ends of the extensions 14L and 15 will be moved likewise in order to obtain the proper tensioning or stretching of the wire. When the levers have been moved to a position whereby the wire strands are properly tensioned the clasp lock 27 may be arranged in the manner shown in Fig. 2 in order to effectually prevent retrograde movement thereof and consequently allow the operator to secure the ends of the wire together or secure either of the strands to the respective supporting post (not shown).

If, after the levers have been moved to the position shown in Fig. 2 either of the strands of wire has not been tensioned to the desired degree, the levers may be associated with the respective supporting post and operated so that the post will form a fulcrum therefor so as to more effectually tension the wire. In order to prevent slipping of the levers when they are operated in this manner, I provide each of the same with a plurality of teeth or other projections as designated by the numeral 28. The greatest fore further detailed description is deemed unnecessary. I

In reducing my invention to practice I find that the form referred to herein as the most practical and preferred embodiment is the most eflicient, but realizing that certain conditions will necessarily vary in concurrence with the adoption of my device, I

desire to emphasize. the fact that various .1

minor changes in the detailsof construction and in the proportion of parts may be resorted to when required without sacrificing any of the advantages of my invention as defined in the appended claim.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

The herein described wire stretcher, comprising bars pivoted near one of their ends, and having the short arms thus formed oppositely curved and terminating in eyes, the bars being toothed along one edge for a short distance from the pivot connection, a jointed latch pivoted at one end to one of the curved arms and hooked at its opposite end to engage the other curved arm, flexible elements attached to the curved arms, plates connected to the flexible elements, and wire clamping means at the endsof the plates.

In testimony whereof I afii-x my signature in presence of two witnesses.

Mrs. L. L. RUDD, ELMER RICHARDSON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. G. 

